MORNING MANNA 1-4-25
Taking Account
“And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.” Luke 16:1-3
Renewing your life starts with reviewing your life which reveals things to be repented of.
January is Stewardship Month at Lakeway. It is a time when we are encouraged to review our past and consider our responsibilities for the year ahead. Just as businesses take inventory every year we are wise to review our past- considering what we’ve done in the light of what we should have done. If we are honest I suspect we all can discover something that needs our attention and leads to a resolution.
In light of the fact that we are accountable to our Master we best be honest. Just as the steward in our text had to give an account of himself so must we. I recently noticed the following list one church used to challenge its members to examine themselves. We would do well to do what it says-
1. Am I more mature spiritually now than I was at the beginning of this year?
2. Have I been faithful in my walk with God (Bible reading, prayer, church attendance)?
3. Is there any hidden sin in my life right now?
4. Have I been a faithful witness to others this year?
5. Have I kept a pure testimony?
6. How many people are in church right now because I invited them?
7. Is there anyone I have wronged this year that I have not asked forgiveness?
8. Is there anyone with whom I am bitter/Is there someone I need to forgive?
9. Am I active in my local church?
10. Have I increased my faith by following God’s will for my life?
How did you do? Is there some area that needs your attention? Now is the time to deal with it rather than waiting until you are standing before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Is there something standing between what you are and what you should be? Take it to the Lord in prayer. It is my prayer that we will all be more like Christ at the end of the year than we are now. In light of His perfection there is always room for improvement in our lives. – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
Humble, Tx.
